Decoding the Theory of Knowledge

In her explanatory video on her recent publication, co-author of Decoding Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma: Themes, Skills and Assessment, Wendy Heydorn, discusses the need for a book that decodes Theory of Knowledge (TOK). She explains that:

‘lots of students enjoy TOK but they sometimes find that when it comes to the assessed tasks, they want to do very well and they don’t always have a clear sense of what they need to do’.

Wendy says the book helps decode certain key TOK concepts, to give students a sense of what the course is about and to help them develop the critical thinking skills they will require. Decoding Theory of Knowledge offers support for the student on the new assessment criteria for the essay and presentation and also includes margin features, which explain certain key concepts and includes real life examples, which relate critical thinking to the real world. It also contains practical activities which help the student develop their thinking, writing and presentation skills and has Top Tips, which provide further guidance and advice.

Wendy goes on to explain how a student can do well in TOK:

‘You need to be able to think for yourself, but you also need to develop certain skills. The ability to evaluate an argument, the ability to weigh up the justification for a knowledge claim…to be able to think about what knowledge is and to examine concepts for yourself like evidence, certainty and truth’

Not only will these skills help the student studying TOK but Wendy explains they will also help them in their future academic career at University.

Decoding Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma: Themes, Skills and Assessment by Wendy Heydorn and Susan Jesudason decodes TOK concepts and helps students develop their critical thinking skills. Decoding Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma is an accessible new resource that explores Areas of Knowledge, Ways of Knowing, Personal and Shared Knowledge, the Knowledge Framework and Knowledge Questions.

Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma (second edition) is written by experienced practitioner Richard van de Lagermaat. This resource for Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma, offers comprehensive coverage of, and support for, the new subject guideand is fully revised for first examination in September 2015. This course book is a comprehensive, original, and accessible approach to Theory of Knowledge, which covers all aspects of the revised subject guide supporting the stronger emphasis on the distinction between personal and shared knowledge: religion and indigenous knowledge.